‘Cashless’ Salvation Army kettles coming to Seattle

Hear that ringing? Pull out your credit card. Cashless Salvation Army kettles are coming to the Puget Sound Friday.

“We hope that with cashless kettles that people actually donate more,” said Stacy Howard, spokeswoman for the Northwest Division of the Salvation Army. “If they’re pulling out a credit card, they’re going to hopefully charge at least 5 or 10 bucks.”

The organization tested the newly equipped versions of its iconic red kettles in 13 cities nationwide last year — with great results. Despite the recession and thanks to online donation options and a more aggressive social media campaign, the kettles drew more donations in 2008 than ever — a whopping $130 million.

About a dozen cashless kettles will begin taking donations in the region starting Friday, Howard said. Their exact locations are still being determined, but there will be at least one each in Bellevue, Renton, Tacoma, and Bremerton and one at the Southcenter mall, all areas where people have historically donated well.